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Ray LaHood on taking the high road in governor’s race

Last week when Ray LaHood graciously gave me a few minutes to chat about his new gig as a strategic adviser at the law firm DLA Piper, the former Peoria Congressman and U.S. transportation secretary also expounded on why he’s backing state Treasurer Dan Rutherford’s bid for governor.

And he also took a moment to explain why he’s not enamored of venture capitalist Bruce Rauner’s attempt to win the GOP nomination.

To the former, LaHood is firmly convinced of Rutherord’s electability, having won statewide office in a race that was no sure thing back in 2010. He’s got name recognition from two down-ballot races, in fact, having run a dignified but ultimately futile race in 2006 for Illinois secretary of state against incumbent-as-long-as-he-wants-to-be Jesse White.

“I think Dan brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm,” LaHood told me.

Moreover, there’s a geographic reality that may aid the Chenoa Republican who served in the Legislature for 16 years before taking his statewide post.

“I think it would be great to have a governor from downstate Illinois again,” LaHood said.

The last of those we had was, of course, Gov. Jim Edgar, who, it’s tough to believe this after the seemingly endless travails — and trials — of George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich, left office only in 1999. Certainly the votes for the GOP nomination are to be found downstate more than anywhere else, with the suburbs a close — but shrinking — second.

LaHood also isn’t wild about Rauner’s candidacy.

You can count him among those who believes Rauner had a hand in the attack ads run against current Rep. Aaron Schock last year accusing the Peoria Republican of being insufficiently conservative. Rauner has denied involvement.

It’s a fair point, and one that links back to his endorsement of Rutherford. Look at that 2006 race against White. In a losing battle, Rutherford still kept to the high road, focusing on policy differences rather than mudslinging. The 2010 contest with former Peorian (and current Congresswoman) Robin Kelly was likewise fairly genteel. And at Thursday night’s debate, Rutherford all but recoiled at the opportunity to slam his opponents during several “clarification” rounds of the debate, fulfilling in many ways Ronald Reagan’s eleventh commandment about not speaking ill of fellow Republicans.